Focus POS
$29.99
Jason Feemster
Focus POS Review – Now Bundled with Shift4
Updated January 2026 • Verified Q1 2026
Table of Contents
Focus POS was a powerful, customizable on-premise POS for restaurants and bars—but it’s no longer sold as a standalone product. Shift4 acquired Focus for $45 million in April 2023 and now directs new customers to SkyTab POS, their modern cloud-based system starting at $29.99/month. If you’re currently running Focus, Shift4 continues to provide support. New buyers should explore SkyTab instead.
Overview of Focus POS
Focus POS was once a go-to solution for restaurants and bars looking for a customizable, on-premise POS system. Founded in the early 1990s, it built a 30+ year track record serving major brands including Denny’s, Arby’s, Popeye’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Topgolf. At its peak, Focus powered approximately 10,000–15,000 restaurant locations across the U.S.
Known for its deep functionality and ability to be tailored to unique workflows, Focus earned a loyal customer base across independent restaurants and hospitality groups.
In April 2023, Shift4 acquired Focus POS for $45 million. Since then, the system has been phased out as a standalone offering and folded into Shift4’s broader restaurant tech stack. If you’re looking to get started with Focus today, your path now goes through Shift4—and most new customers are directed to SkyTab POS instead.
⚠️ Current Availability
Focus POS still has an official website at focuspos.com, but new customers can no longer buy it as a separate POS product. All new accounts and installs are managed by Shift4 as part of their bundled restaurant platform.
If you’re starting fresh or planning to upgrade, SkyTab POS is Shift4’s flagship solution and the preferred option moving forward.
Pros & Cons
- Highly configurable for complex operations
- Proven 30+ year track record in hospitality
- Strong offline mode and stability
- Served major franchise brands
- Shift4 continues supporting existing users
- No longer available as a standalone POS
- Requires going through Shift4 for setup/pricing
- Interface feels dated vs. modern cloud systems
- On-premise architecture requires local servers
- New customers steered toward SkyTab instead
Focus POS Pricing
You won’t find published pricing for Focus POS today. Previously, it followed a traditional license model with upfront fees, optional support contracts, and hardware costs. Now that it’s under Shift4, pricing depends on what bundle you’re offered.
Recommended Alternative: SkyTab POS
New customers exploring Shift4’s restaurant solutions are typically routed to SkyTab POS—their modern, mobile-friendly system.
| Plan | Monthly Software Cost | Hardware | Includes Payment Processing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTab POS | $29.99/month | Free hardware with agreement | ✔ Included via Shift4 |
SkyTab requires a 3-year POS agreement and merchant services agreement. No early termination fees. Free installation and training included.
Legacy Focus POS Features
- Fully customizable workflows and screen layouts
- Advanced check-splitting, tipping, and bar tab handling
- Comprehensive reporting and real-time sales tracking
- Loyalty and gift card programs
- Works offline—great for venues with spotty internet
- Windows-based on-premise architecture (no cloud dependency)
Who Was Focus POS Built For?
✅ Good Fit
- Independent full-service restaurants — Complex menu and check handling
- High-volume bars and nightclubs — Fast tab management and tipping
- Hospitality operators — Custom workflows and multi-location setups
- Franchise brands — Denny’s, Arby’s, Popeye’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Topgolf
❌ Not Ideal For
- New restaurant owners — No longer available for new installs
- Cloud-first operators — Focus was on-premise, not cloud-based
- Budget-conscious startups — Legacy licensing model had higher upfront costs
What Happened to Focus POS?
Focus POS had a strong run as one of the most customizable restaurant POS systems on the market. Here’s the timeline:
- Early 1990s: Focus POS founded in Boerne, Texas
- 2000s–2010s: Grew to serve 10,000–15,000 restaurant locations including major franchises
- April 2023: Shift4 acquires Focus POS for $45 million
- 2023–Present: Focus phased out as standalone product; existing customers supported, new customers directed to SkyTab
Shift4 CEO Jared Isaacman noted the company had pursued Focus as an acquisition target “for more than five years.” The goal was to migrate Focus merchants to Shift4’s payment processing and eventually transition them to SkyTab POS.
FAQs
Can I still buy Focus POS?
No. Focus POS is no longer sold as a standalone product. All new customers are directed to Shift4, and most are recommended SkyTab POS instead. If you’re an existing Focus user, Shift4 continues to provide support.
What happened to Focus POS?
Shift4 acquired Focus POS for $45 million in April 2023. The system has been folded into Shift4’s broader restaurant tech stack, with new customers typically being directed to SkyTab POS.
Is Focus POS still supported?
Yes. Shift4 continues to support existing Focus POS installations. However, new feature development is focused on SkyTab, so Focus users may want to consider migrating eventually.
What is SkyTab POS?
SkyTab is Shift4’s modern, cloud-based restaurant POS system. It starts at $29.99/month with free hardware (with agreement) and includes payment processing via Shift4. It’s designed for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses.
What brands used Focus POS?
Focus POS served major restaurant and hospitality brands including Denny’s, Arby’s, Popeye’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Topgolf, among others.
Verdict
Focus POS had its moment as a powerful, highly customizable POS system for demanding restaurants. But today, it’s been largely retired from the spotlight. If you’re still running Focus, Shift4 will continue to support you—but new buyers are being steered toward SkyTab.
For restaurants looking for a modern, cloud-based system with similar hospitality focus, SkyTab offers competitive pricing ($29.99/month), free hardware, and integrated payment processing. It’s a natural upgrade path for former Focus users or anyone exploring Shift4’s ecosystem.
Want to explore all your options before committing? Try our free comparison tool below.
Jason Feemster
POS systems expert and founder of POSUSA.com, a trusted industry resource since 2011. With over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing point-of-sale systems, he helps business owners choose solutions that actually fit their needs.
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